Generous Sq Footage question

[RaineyMiniRanch]

We have 30+ birds at the moment and plan on adding a few more as the shelters in Dallas area are constantly euthanizing fowl. We are trying to comfortably accommodate our birds, maximizing the most we can while keeping them comfortable (we're not hoarders!).

Coop is 18x21=378 square feet
Run area (they are free ranging without a fence until we can get our fence going) is 100x30 feet (3000 square feet). We're hoping to maybe fit 60 birds comfortably. Is that reasonable? That hopefully will give us a reasonable flock size with some flexibility for sudden intakes.

If it matters, roughly half are roosters since not only are half born that way but a majority of those surrendered are roosters too. Trying to minimize discomfort and pecking while still being able to take in as many rescues as we can.

 

[Percheron chick]

The coop is plenty large enough for 60 birds. I would figure a way to split it and put the roosters on one side and the hens on the other.

 

[RaineyMiniRanch]

The coop is plenty large enough for 60 birds. I would figure a way to split it and put the roosters on one side and the hens on the other.

So far, we've had no issues with the roos. Most of the big roos are cream crested legbars and I've heard they are docile even in groups. Their parents have multiple roos housed together without issue. BUT that may not always be the case when the current chicks get big or when we get random chickens in from the shelter (after quarantined elsewhere on our property).

We were thinking of getting that portable goat/pig fencing to change up our pen situation as needed and to separate mean roos. I'm assuming that'll work?

 

[Beekissed]

If half are roosters your hens will eventually not have any feathers on their backs and the back of their heads. Not advisable to run that many roosters to that many hens as it's just torture for the hens. Not much sense in "rescuing" a chicken to then put it in conditions that are a daily stress and pain.

That's a good size accommodations for a flock of 30 but I wouldn't take it any higher than that if you want to avoid disease, social stress, high impaction of the soils, etc. Even with a flock of 30 I'd start building a deep litter system in that coop and run to try and digest the amount of feces that will be deposited there and create a healthier footing and habitat for the birds.

 

[RaineyMiniRanch]

If half are roosters your hens will eventually not have any feathers on their backs and the back of their heads. Not advisable to run that many roosters to that many hens as it's just torture for the hens. Not much sense in "rescuing" a chicken to then put it in conditions that are a daily stress and pain.

I appreciate your feedback, but we already have that handled. Our current flock coexists as they are right now and we are prepared to handle problematic roos by separating them from hens. We have no hens with missing plumage or damage so have had no need to separate roos as of yet. When that day comes, we've got the temporary fencing to make it work just for roos (and to separate roos from other roos if aggressive).

Our hens don't seem to think its torture, and its far better than the torture alternative for the males. We find an appropriate place for each chicken/fowl where they will be safe and healthy regardless of whether its cost effective.